Some people say I've got a five-octave range, which is ridiculous. That would mean I'd sing like Mariah Carey or that alien in 'The Fifth Element.' And I'm nothing like that blue alien. I've got a range of about 3 1/2 octaves.

They say shyness is a form of egotism, and you are only shy because you care too much about what people think of you. And maybe its true, maybe I am just an egotist.

It's very hard to find men's clothes that do what you want, especially when you go through them as quickly as I do. I need them to be flashy, but I never like to be overdressed. I need to make a statement, but I hate wearing too many clothes.

You can't deny your limitations.

I am totally unapologetic about pop music.

My life isn't tabloid-friendly.

I did not find my studies particularly enthralling.

No, I'm never confident with what I do, particularly playing and singing!

I'm not particularly attention-seeking.

I want to make all my family proud, particularly my mum, Sonia.

Particularly with middle-class people, self-absorption is a struggle.

The job of mayor of London is unbelievably taxing, particularly in the run-up to the Olympics.